Maple Avenue Evening High School - Progress Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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Training for Service By C. J. McCORMICK Former member of School Board HE right to receive an education is guaranteed to every child in the State of California. For the benefit of those adults who did not exercise that right, often thru conditions over which they had no control, and who later realized the need of education, ia new form of in- struction has been provided known as the Evening School which is especial- ly arranged for the benefit and convenience of those engaged during the day at their regular duties and who desire to improve themselves through study of the subjects pertaining to the work in which they are particularly interested. The idea proved a success, but there was still a need for a different form of class workg an extension of the methods of teachingg an addition of subjects - something that would bring to the student a thorough idea of practical service and afford opportunity to work with the hands as well as the head and thus attain a practical and technical knowledge of doing things that would assist him in his life work. Educators were quick to grasp the possibilities of such a system with the result that Vocational Training was added to the curriculum and has been extended until it is now possible for one to receive a course of in- struction in any trade or occupation that one may choose. The leading educators of the country fand the school system of Los Angeles was one of the first to realize the importance of such trainingj are fast coming to the belief of President Eliot of Harvard that all schools should teach pupils how to do things instead of how to talk about them . We have in this day advanced to the place where we look back in amuse- ment at the folks of the olden days who used to cover' their hands as a sign that they did no manual work. The man who does not work to-day - who does not render service to his fellow man - is looked upon as a para- sitei . .Page Sixty A i ' '

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trades and vocations. What higher or more genuine culture can there be than that acquired by a study of the origin and composition of materials and their uses, of the evolution of mechanical processes and methods of con- struction and the invention and manufacture of the tools and instruments used? Going hand in hand with these is the study of mathematics and applied sciences. Indeed, this cultural aspect of vocational education is the one that is most emphacised at the present time. It is the attitude of disdain toward labor and of looking upon the trades as merely a means of earning a liveli- hood and forgetting the great quality of service rendered, that has produc- ed that hopeless spirit, that lack of pride in their respective trades on the part of so many artisans, that demoralization of industry, which has caused employers all over this country to turn to the public institutions of educa- tion and plead for a comprehensive system of vocational education and trade extension training that will combine skill and culture by showing that any knowledge worth while is knowledge of the things that give and have given the maximum of service to mankindg that will engender a pride in his chosen trade on the part of the artisan so that he will strive to excel and, taking pride and pleasure in his work, prosecute it with skill and vigor to the greater glory of God and service of mankind. Yes, there certainly is a cultural side to vocational education. 1 I Orchestra Class Page Fifty-nine

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The great gospel of service is being preachedg men are fast coming to realize that success is nothing but the attainment of happiness and there can be no truer happiness than that which comes through service to one's fellow man. He who is the most useful servant is the greatest man. A man must be measured, not by his Wealth, his learning or social position, but by the service he renders the World. The man Who is a good worker is invariably a good citizen. Good citizens make for good government. The place to train men and Women to become useful citizens is in the public schools. I believe the vocational system the most helpful and practical form of education because it equips men and Women with ability to create and initiate into every day life that which will benefit the peoples of every community. I can vision just a few years in the near future, When all schools Will send into the xi orld men and women who can do things - who can serve - and I am sure that the Maple Avenue Evening School, through the able guidance of the Principal and her corps of assistants, is contributing its full share to the great Work of providing that form of study which makes for success and happiness. Sheet Metal Pattern Drafting Page Sixty-one